Family of a Baronet
Wife of a Baronet
If a baronet's wife has a courtesy title in her own right, this should be included as follows: Lady Mary Stratton (if the daughter of a duke, marquess or earl), or The Hon Lady Stratton (if the daughter of a viscount or baron). The wife of Scottish baronet who uses his territorial designation should be so addressed, eg Lady Grant of Monymusk.
The wife of a baronet has the style 'Lady' before her surname. The old-fashioned style of 'Dame', followed by her forenames and surname (eg Dame Mary Stratton), is no longer in use, but is retained for legal documents. It is useful for legal purposes because it allows for the identification of a particular Lady Brown (for example) by the use of her forenames.
In circumstances where there could be uncertainty as to the identification of a Lady Stratton (for example), 'Lady' may be followed by the forename in brackets. This form is often used in publications and in newspaper announcements.
How to address the Wife of a Baronet
The recommended (social) style of address is as follows:
|
Beginning of letter |
Dear Lady Stratton |
|
End of letter |
Yours sincerely |
|
Envelope |
Lady Stratton |
|
Verbal communication |
Lady Stratton |
|
Invitation |
Lady Stratton |
|
Description in conversation |
Lady Stratton |
|
List of Directors or Patrons |
Lady Stratton, or Lady (Mary) Stratton if required for purposes of identification |
|
Place card |
Lady Stratton |
|
Legal document |
Dame Mary Joan Stratton, or Mary Joan Lady Stratton |
Children of a Baronet
Children of a baronet do not have any special style, but follow the rules for addressing untitled men and women. Children who have been adopted into a baronet's family are not in line of succession to a baronetcy by reason of such adoption. Children who are adopted out of a baronet's family do not lose their rights of succession to the title.
